Beware: This chapter is a little fluffy lol. I haven't seen anyone do the Rum/Belle version of the snow scene from b&tb so I thought I would.
Chapter Fourteen: Snow
Within a week, the blizzards arrived. Travel was near impossible without magic. Rumplestiltskin had given up on avoiding Belle after the incidence in town, and admitted to himself he wanted to be around her. He was still unsure of her feelings towards him, but one thing he knew for sure is she didn't mind touching him.
Since the day he saved her from Gaston, she became more affectionate. She would go out of her way to touch his hand when she gave him things. She would walk arm in arm with him as they strolled through the castle, and she always found an excuse to hug him for any kindness he showed towards her.
One morning, Belle awoke to find yet another fresh layer of snow outside. The snow had ceased falling for the time being, and Belle could clearly see how beautiful the castle grounds looked covered in the winter blanket. She dressed and made her way downstairs for breakfast.
"Belle, did you see the snow stopped!" Bae exclaimed as she entered the kitchen. He was admiring it through the window.
Rumplestiltskin walked in to get his morning tea.
"Yes I did. It's beautiful," replied Belle.
"Would you go play in the snow with me pleeeaase?"
Belle looked at Rumplestiltskin then back at Bae, "I don't know, I have to complete my chores first."
Bae's face fell to disappointment.
Rumplestiltskin stepped over to Belle and Bae, "Perhaps I could postpone your chores for today so you could take my son out to enjoy the snow," he said calmly.
Both Belle's and Bae's face lit up, "Really Papa?"
Rumple nodded and smiled at his son.
Bae wrapped his arms around his father, "Oh, thank you Papa! I love you!"
Tears formed in Rumple's eyes but he kept a straight face. It had been a long time since he heard Bae tell him he loved him. Bae meant the world to him.
Belle leaned down to Bae, "Finish your breakfast and then go get your cloak and gloves. I'll meet you in the main hall."
Bae smiled, sat at the table, and ate his breakfast.
After bundling up, Belle and Bae went outside using an entrance to the castle she wasn't accustomed to. It opened to a large intricately carved uncovered patio. The steps from the patio led directly to the side of the castle with the pond and meadow. The pond was completely frozen. The two jogged out into the winter wonderland and began throwing snowballs at one another.
Rumplestiltskin observed Belle and Bae playing through the window. He laughed watching them tumble in the snow and throwing snowballs at each other. Rumple despised snow. It was just a nuisance in his opinion. Bae had given up early trying to get him to play in the snow. However, it looked like Belle and Bae were having so much fun and he was amused watching them. Rumple was glad Belle enjoyed it enough to make Bae happy.
Eventually Belle and Bae disappeared from view. Rumplestiltskin decided to stand on the patio to see if he could see them. He slipped on his dragon hide coat and stepped outside.
Bae noticed immediately that his father was outside watching them. He was feeling mischievous, so he motioned Belle to come to him behind the tree. Belle hesitantly made her way over there after Bae held his hands up showing a truce.
"Why don't you throw a snowball at Papa?" he suggested.
Belle gasped, "No, I can't do that! He'll be angry with me!"
"No he won't, I promise." Bae rolled up a fresh snowball and held it out for her.
Belle looked at Bae for a minute like she was seriously thinking about it.
Rumplestiltskin stood on the porch staring at the tree the two were hiding behind. They had been back there for several minutes. He leaned to the side and looked over there questionably, but couldn't see either one of them, 'What are they up to?'
It hit him like a bolt of lightning. He suddenly found his face covered in snow, and snow matted in his hair. As he wiped his face off, an unmistakable scowl appeared.
Belle quickly ducked back behind the tree with Bae, "He looks angry and you said he wouldn't get angry!"
"Um…I don't know but I suggest you hide!" Bae took off running.
Belle was about to move but then unexpectedly felt herself pinned against the tree. "So dearie, what gives you the privilege to think you can throw snow at me?" Rumplestiltskin asked through gritted teeth.
Belle was looking straight into his eyes. His face was only centimeters away from hers. She could feel his breath he was so close. She was frightened a little because he did not sound happy. 'How could I let Bae talk me into doing that?' "I…uh…Bae…" she stuttered.
Rumple cut her off, "So you're blaming my son? My son who knows how much I loathe snow?"
Rumplestiltskin moved his face closer. Belle gulped not knowing what to say, 'Why would Bae put me up to this when he knows Rum hates snow?'
"Yes, I see what you're saying. You're saying I should throw him in the dungeon instead of you because it was his idea."
"Oh no! Don't do that! Please!" Belle grabbed his shoulders to plead with him, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean any harm! You can put me in there if you wish." She said the last part rather sadly.
He glared at her for a minute. She couldn't tell what was going on in his head. Finally he spoke, "No…No. I think I have a better idea."
Belle's fear showed on her face. She could only imagine what else he could do than have her spend the night in the dungeon. Rumplestiltskin stared at her for another second until he vanished right before her eyes. Belle looked around but he was nowhere to be found. Suddenly, she found herself completely drenched in snow. She coughed and sputtered a little trying to get the snow out of her eyes and face. Her hands and arms were covered in snow, so when she tried to wipe her eyes it was almost no use. She could hear Bae laughing from his hiding place. "Rum!" she screamed frustrated. 'Where had all that snow come from?'
"You know dearie, I don't think the best place to stand during a snowball fight with the Dark One is directly under a tree."
Belle looked up to see Rumple sitting crossed legged from a branch gazing down on her, smirking. She realized all the snow she was covered in had come from the tree branches. "Rum, that's cheating!" she yelled up at him, but he just let out an impish giggle.
Belle felt a hand grab hers and pull her forward, "C'mon Belle, we'll work together and get him back!" said Bae.
Rumplestiltskin watched as the two departed from view.
Belle and Bae huddled together quietly discussing their plans to get Rumplestiltskin back. In the middle of the conversation, Belle's eyes widened, "Uh Bae…"
He looked at her questionably, "What?"
She pointed and Bae looked up to see a perfectly round snowball floating above his head which fell right down onto his face.
Belle giggled as she watched Bae chuck snowball after snowball at his father and miss every time. "No magic Papa, that's not fair!"
Rumplestiltskin appeared between them making them jump, "Well two against one isn't fair but you don't hear me complaining do you?"
Belle sneered at him. She had a snowball hidden behind her back. She moved to throw it at him but he caught her by the wrist, "You, my dear, are asking for it. Was being drenched completely in snow not enough?"
Belle tried to imitate one of his quiplike smirks the best she could as she revealed a second snowball tucked away in her other hand. He lunged for her other wrist. Belle moved to try to deflect him but dropped the ball as the two tumbled to the ground. Belle landed on her back and Rumple was completely on top of her. He had her hands pinned to the snowy ground above her head. "I've got you now dearie!" he said playfully with a smile that showed his teeth.
Belle looked up into his eyes, the eyes she had grown to adore. A mischievous smile appeared on her face, "No, oh mighty Dark One, I believe it is really I who has you!"
Rumplestiltskin looked at her questionably for a second, and then realized what was going on. His grip loosened on her wrists as he turned to stop Baelfire.
Belle realized Bae was too far away and their attack wouldn't go as planned if she didn't act fast. She immediately leaned up a planted a soft kiss on Rumplestiltskin's cheek. Startled Rumplestiltskin turned back to Belle and got a quick glance at the gleam in her eyes before she ducked her head into his chest to avoid the oncoming attack. Snow immediately engulfed the two, as Baelfire dumped a large bucket over his father's head. This caused Rumple to lose his balance and fall over to his side, freeing Belle.
Bae helped Belle to her feet. He took his wooden sword from his belt loop and pointed it toward his father. "Ah ha, I have you now!" Bae exclaimed in a deep tone. He made a killing motion with his sword, "I have slained the beast and saved the fairest maiden in all the lands! Now go maiden you are free!"
Belle smiled and giggled, "Thank you sir! A kiss for my knight in shining armor!" She leaned over and kissed Bae on the cheek.
Bae smiled back at her, "Come maiden I shall escort you back to your palace!" He held out his arm for her to take, and she gladly accepted. He led her up the stairs, through the glass doors, and back into the warm castle.
Belle looked behind her and flashed a smile at Rumplestiltskin as they left. Rumplestiltskin stood up and brushed the snow off. His eyes lingered on Belle long after she was gone. His hand touched his cheek were she kissed it. 'She kissed me! I can't believe it!'
However, Bae's words, although playful he knew, entered his mind. He really was a beast, and would never be a knight in shining armor or a prince. 'Belle deserves one of those, not a hideous beast. There was no way she would ever care for me. That kiss was just part of the game. But she didn't seem repulsed at all about kissing me…' he tried to convince himself, 'She actually seemed to glow a little.' Rumplestiltskin decided there was a small chance she could care for him. He went inside to join Belle and Bae.
Belle and Bae had already shed their wet shoes, cloaks, and gloves when Rumplestiltskin walked in. They were nestled in front of the fire under a blanket for warmth. He walked over and joined them, sitting in his leather chair as usual.
"Did you play in the snow all the time when you were little?" Bae asked Belle.
"Oh yes very much. My mother would take me out all the time, but we never had as much as here. Those are some of the best memories I have. I always loved wintertime in the kingdom."
"What other things do you enjoy about winter?"
"Well my favorite thing was the Winter Ball. Every year my father would host it, and people would come from all around to attend."
"I've never been to any kindda ball."
"Well I know you would enjoy it. There are decorations, music, dancing, and lots of wonderful food. It was always enjoyable to get really dressed up for the occasion."
"You know, there's a ballroom here! We've never used it, but we could. We could host our own Winter Ball, just the three of us!"
"I will have no part in that Bae." Rumplestiltskin joined the conversation.
Bae gave his father a sour look, "Well that's ok. Belle and I can do it then!"
Rumple laughed, "That ballroom hasn't been touched in years. It will take you forever to clean it."
"I'm up for it as long as Belle is!" Bae glanced back at Belle.
She nodded, "As long as your father doesn't mind."
"Well I guess since the ballroom is part of the castle, and you are suppose to be cleaning the castle, I don't see why not," Rumplestiltskin replied.
Bae giggled with joy. Belle placed her hands on Rumplestiltskin's knee and smiled up at him. "Thank you," she mouthed.
He smiled back at her and she blushed.
"We can start cleaning tomorrow!" Bae exclaimed.